I have been working my fanny off (although it doesn't look like it's any smaller because I have been balancing out my exercise with truffles and wine), getting my place set up here in the United States. I am living in a loft that has been converted into an apartment and it is finally feeling like home! I was hoping to achieve a Parisian apartment look that was eclectic, classic, relaxed, comfortable and elegant all at the same time. This look is European, eclectic, expat-chic!
I think the thing that I am enjoying most about designing this space is watching my European treasures and antiques take on a different look and feel than they had in my old German barn. While I desperately miss that barn, things do feel fresher and brighter with all the sunlight I get in this loft, My whole barn had a total of 3 small windows (although the kitchen had some lovely french doors)!!! Eventually, my super awesome landlord is considering putting in faux old beams! Soon, it will have the old world character and charm that I adore and yearn for so much!
Here is a quick look at what my loft looked like before. As you can see there was originally a half wall on the left and we turned it into a full wall and added some bead-board.
While the neon beer signs are super adorable and charming, I decided to ditch them this time around ;)
And here is my loft now!
It is the perfect size for Penny and me and there is plenty of room for entertaining!
My charcoal grey chairs make a nice divider between the two rooms and help create a quaint little conversational area.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I can't go without a mantle or fireplace in my home. I think it makes a room instantly warm, cozy and a romantic looking, even if it's not a working one. I hung my old kitchen rug over my mantle and I love the pop of color it adds to my otherwise very neutral room. I antiqued a mirror so it had an old smoked look to it and placed it behind my mantle so it will reflect the flickering flame from my candles.
I am slowly converting my French Louis armoire into an espresso bar. I will also be showing you how I am doing that and how I have also hidden a little fridge in my apartment so it doesn't take away from the design.
Pages from a couple 160 year old Parisian books that were falling apart, make the perfect art when placed behind glass.
I used some letters that I discovered (that were exchanged between two lovers) in my French armoire as art in my dining room.
The rest of my incredibly old Parisian books in an old dough bowl make up the centerpiece for my dining table.
I am sure excited to have this main room finished so I can start having guests over for coffee and or cocktails! Here is a picture my girlfriend, Haley took last week.
The fluff angel and I are tired from all this setting up and unpacking, but there are still more rooms to be done!
Until next time! Tchüss!
